Skin Cancer: Treatable and Beatable with Early Detection

Is getting a skin cancer screening important? l SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC) SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer. Yes! The most common types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), can be cured if caught early and properly • People who have light skin are most likely treated. When melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is detected to develop SCC, yet they can develop in darker- before it spreads, it also has a high cure rate. Dermatologists offer free skin skinned people. cancer screenings because these screenings can help find skin cancers early • SCC often looks like a red firm bump, scaly patch, or when they are the most treatable and beatable. a sore that heals and then re-opens. If something suspicious is found during your skin cancer screening, you • SCCs tend to form on skin that gets frequent sun exposure, such as should immediately make an appointment to see a dermatologist for a the rim of the ear, face, neck, arms, chest, and back. SCC can grow follow-up examination. deep in the skin and cause damage and disfigurement. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this and stop SCC from spreading to other Who gets skin cancer? areas of the body. Each year, millions of people get skin cancer. Anyone can get skin cancer. This is why more than 2,000 dermatologists volunteer their time each year l MELANOMA to conduct free skin cancer screenings. When caught early and with proper Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer treatment, skin cancer can be cured. • Melanoma frequently develops in a mole or suddenly appears as What does skin cancer look like? a new dark spot on the skin. • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. l ACTINIC KERATOSES (AK) These dry, scaly patches or spots are • Knowing the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma can help you find precancerous growths. an early melanoma.

• People who get AKs usually have fair skin. Stands for ASYMMETRY; one half is unlike • Most people see their first AKs after 40 years of age A the other half. because AKs tend to develop after years of sun exposure. • AKs usually form on skin that gets lots of sun exposure, such as the head, neck, hands, and forearms. Stands for BORDER; irregular, scalloped or • Because an AK can progress to a type of skin cancer called B poorly defined border. squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), treatment is important. l BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC) This is the most common type of skin cancer. Stands for COLOR; varied from one area to • BCCs frequently develop in people who have C another; shades of tan and brown, black; fair skin, yet they can occur in people with sometimes white, red or blue darker skin. • BCCs look like a flesh-colored, pearl-like bump or a pinkish patch of skin. Stands for DIAMETER; while melanomas are • BCCs develop after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning. 6mm D usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller. • BCC are common on the head, neck, and arms, yet can form anywhere on the body, including the chest, abdomen, and legs. • Early diagnosis and treatment for BCC is important. BCC can invade the surrounding tissue and grow into the nerves and bones, causing Stands for EVOLVING; a mole or skin lesion damage and disfigurement. E that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.

continued on other side SKIN CANCER SELF-EXAMINATION

HOW TO CHECK YOUR SPOTS: The American Academy of Dermatology encourages everyone to perform periodic skin self-examinations of the entire body and receive a physician skin examination. Since each person’s risk of skin cancer 1 2 3 4 5 differs based on his or her skin type, Examine body front Bend elbows, look Look at backs of legs Examine back of Finally, check back sun exposure, and family history, and back in mirror, carefully at forearms, and feet, spaces neck and scalp and buttocks with a a dermatologist can make individual then right and left back of upper arms, between toes, and with a hand mirror. hand mirror. sides, arms raised. and palms. soles. Part hair and lift. recommendations about how often a person should be screened for skin cancer.

Individuals with a history of melanoma should have a full-body exam at least annually and perform monthly self-exams for new and changing moles. Checking your skin means taking note of all the spots on your body, from moles to freckles to age spots. Remember, some moles are black, red, or even blue. If you see a new spot or notice something changing, itching or bleeding on your skin, immediately make an appointment to see a dermatologist.

Am I at risk of getting melanoma? How can I prevent skin cancer? These risk factors significantly increase your risk of getting melanoma: Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers. l Sun exposure: Have you spent a lot of time outdoors without Here is what you can do: protecting yourself from the sun? Have you had bad sunburns, l Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a especially blistering sunburns? Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or more to all skin not covered by l Light skin: Do you have fair skin? Although melanoma is more clothing. “Broad-spectrum” provides protection from both ultraviolet A common in people who have light skin, people with skin of color (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply approximately every two also get melanoma. hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. l Family history: Have any of your first-degree relatives (parent, sibling, l Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a or child) had melanoma? wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, where possible. l Moles: Do you have more than 50 moles? Has a dermatologist told l Seek shade when appropriate. Remember that the sun’s rays are you that you have atypical moles? strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, seek shade. l Previous melanoma: Have you had melanoma? This greatly increases your risk of getting another melanoma. l Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand because they reflect and intensify the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your Do you have a story to tell? chances of sunburn. If you or a loved one has had skin cancer, tell us your skin cancer story at l Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin www.aad.org/spot-skin-cancer/share-your-story. supplements. Don’t seek the sun. l Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look tan, consider using a self-tanning product or spray, but continue to use sunscreen with it.

For more information, free educational downloads, or to find a dermatologist or free screening in your area, visit SpotSkinCancer.org • 1-888-462-DERM

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